Hundreds of different herbs can be found in the mountains of Halkidiki in Greece. Below are a few that can be found and prepared fairly easily, often in the form of a tea or tincture.
Achillea Millefolium is lipolytic. It aids weight loss and is good for the blood.
Agrimonia Eupatoria, is nutrient dense herb and is used to support Menstrual Issues, Respiratory Issues, Hair and Nail, Skin and Diabetes. It is also used to treat pharyngitis.
Aloysia Citrodora, also known as lemon verbena, aids weight loss and is used to treat fever and flu symptoms.
Prized for its distinctive aroma, herbaceous flavor, and purported health benefits, Artemisia Absinthium is thought to help diabetes.
Basilicum, commonly known as Basil, is often used in meditteranean cooking. It is good for aiding digestion, as well as providing relief for headaches and migraines. It is also used to improve the memory.
Cistus Incanus has both anti-viral & anti-bacterial properties. It is consumed in northern and western europe as a tea, but local people add it to a variety of dishes.
Cretaegus Oxyacantha is known to be extremely good for the heart.
Eucalyptus leaves are a great source of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which protect your body from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
The main flavonoids in eucalyptus include catechins, isorhamnetin, luteolin, kaempferol, phloretin, and quercetin. Eucalyptus is generally used for asthma and sinusitis.
Globulaira Alypum is known to relieve constipation.
Good for the immune and neurological systems. Hippophae helps to regulate metabolism.
Hippophae rhamnoides exhibits numerous beneficial actions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antineoplastic, immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective properties.
Hypericum is known to be helpful for digestive diseases, diarrhea, depression and the oil can heal wounds.
Lactuca Virosa, also known as wild lettuce or opium lettuce, can be prepared to create a strong painkiller.
Lavender is known for its soothing properties.
Marjoram can help soothe abdominal aches and can ease vomiting.
Matricaria Chamomilla, is widely used to make chamomile tea. It is known for its calming properties.
A popular fragrant herb known to aid digestion. Used in pharmaceutical products for its rubefacient properties.
Nigella Sativa seeds, also known as black cumin or black seed, seems to have been used more often in Greek medicine and cuisine during ancient times, but is still used today to flavour lamb dishes and some tomato based sauces.
One of the key chemicals that has been found in olive leaves is a bitter tasting compound called oleuropein. Various studies have shown its ability to dilate the blood vessels. This in turn helps the body bring increased oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
Olive Leaves also have anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.
High in anti-oxidants, punica granatum has been used to treat sore throats, coughs, urinary infections, digestive disorders, skin disorders, arthritis, and to expel tapeworms.
Grown in the mountains of Halkidiki, Sambucus is used locally to help with flu, common cold & catarrh. It is an expectorant and emollient.
Rubus Fruticosus is good for lowering blood pressure.
Commonly known as mountain tea and found at altitudes above 1000 metres.
Sideritis contains several beneficial flavonoids and has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antispasmodic, and antioxidant capabilities. It is most commonly used to treat the common cold, aches and pains, indigestion, and respiratory problems.
Silybum Marianum is said to be good for the memory as well as good for protecting the liver from toxins. Used by the pharmaceutical industry to produces drugs such as Silymarin, for its antihepatotoxic properties.
Known for strengthening the immune system, absolving the body of toxins, aiding digestion and helping to cleanse the blood.
Also high in calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C.
Grown in many regions throughout Europe, Urtica Dioica (also known as Smartweed) is used for sciatica and metabolic disorders.
It is important to note that whilst the consumption of herbs can be incredibly beneficial, if you are taking any medication prescribed by a doctor, you should speak to your GP to determine whether or not it is safe to take any complimentary herbs. For example, whilst St Johns Wort can help some people with mild depression or anxiety, it can have a detrimental effect on someone taking anti-depressant medication.
If you are collecting your own herbs, you must be careful to ensure that they are prepared correctly before consuming them. For example, Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove) can be used to produce a cardiotonic, but if it isn't prepared properly it is toxic enough to cause death.